04 December 2013 - Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop will visit the Philippines from December 7 to 8.   

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario will meet with Minister Bishop to discuss the Philippines’ recovery and rehabilitation efforts following the devastation wrought by typhoon Yolanda and areas in which Australia can provide its cooperation and support. 

The two foreign ministers are also expected to talk about Philippine-Australian bilateral relations and other regional matters of interest to both countries.  During her visit, Minister Bishop plans to visit the typhoon-affected areas, particularly the province of Leyte.  

Australia has provided A$30 million (PhP1.2 billion) in assistance to the victims of typhoon Yolanda and other relief efforts.  It has also deployed two 37-member medical assistance teams and a Disaster Victim Management Team.  Two Royal Australian Air Force aircraft, a C-17A and a C-130J, and the Royal Australian Navy Ship, HMAS Tobruk, were sent to help in humanitarian efforts.  Australia also donated essential non-food items such as tarpaulins, sleeping mats, mosquito nets, water containers and health and hygiene kits.     

This will be Minister Bishop’s first visit to the Philippines.  Minister Bishop is Australia’s first female foreign minister.  She assumed office on September 18, 2013 following the election of Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s Coalition Government. END